The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has given Kampala International University (KIU) 30 days to show that the head of its pharmacy school at the Ishaka campus meets national standards, warning that the university’s pharmacy programme could otherwise lose recognition.
In a letter to the Vice Chancellor dated October 16, PSU Secretary Dr Stephen Lutoti said the society had received reports that the Head of Pharmacy at KIU’s Ishaka campus in Bushenyi is not a pharmacist registered in Uganda. He said this would breach the minimum standards for pharmacy education in the country.
The society asked KIU to correct what it called an “anomaly” and submit proof of compliance to its Council within 30 days of the letter, which puts the deadline at around November 15, 2026.
“Failure to comply will attract regulatory action including de-recognition of the Pharmacy program at your University,” the letter warns.
The letter does not name the head of the school.
What the rules require
Under PSU standards, the head of any school of pharmacy in Uganda must:
- Be a pharmacist registered in Uganda
- Hold valid membership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda
- Hold at least a Master’s degree in a pharmacy discipline
- Have at least five years of university teaching experience
What it means for students
De-recognition by the professional body could affect pharmacy students and graduates, since recognition of their training plays a role in professional registration after they graduate. The letter does not say what would happen to students already enrolled if the programme lost recognition.
KIU has not publicly responded to the letter. CampusBee has contacted the university and the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda for comment and will update this story.
KIU pharmacy students, has the university said anything to you about this? Tell us. @campusbee.ug
